Canada Inflation Calculator
Compare purchasing power across time using Canada CPI data from the OECD.
Inflation adjustment
Convert an amount from one date to another (monthly CPI or yearly average).
Inflation trends
Explore CPI level and inflation rate over time.
Canada Inflation Calculator
Welcome! This tool helps you understand how the value of the Canadian Dollar (CAD) has changed over time. Whether you're budgeting, planning for retirement, or just curious about price changes, this page lets you compare purchasing power across different dates.
Understanding CPI and Inflation
A simple everyday example
Think about a regular trip to the grocery store in Canada: bread, milk, produce, and maybe your morning coffee on the way home. If you buy the same set of items every month, the total bill won’t always be the same.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures this idea at a national level. It tracks the price of a fixed “basket” of goods and services over time. The CPI is the index number representing the total cost of that basket.
What is inflation?
Inflation means that the general level of prices rises over time. When inflation is positive, each dollar buys a little less than before.
Inflation rate (YoY)
The Year-over-Year (YoY) inflation rate compares a month’s CPI to the same month one year earlier.
Key concepts
- Purchasing Power: How much goods and services your money can buy.
- Disinflation: Inflation is still positive, but rising more slowly.
- Deflation: The opposite of inflation; average prices fall over time.
Historical Inflation Trends in Canada
Canada has experienced several distinct inflation periods over the past decades. Inflation was notably high during parts of the 1970s and early 1980s, then generally moderated after inflation-targeting policies became more established. In more recent years, Canada saw a sharp post-pandemic inflation surge followed by gradual cooling.
This long-run pattern means inflation is rarely constant year to year. Using CPI-based comparisons can give a clearer, more realistic view of how costs and purchasing power have shifted across different periods.
Original CPI Data Table
Browse the original monthly CPI values used for our calculations below.
| 2025-12 | 130.4 | -0.24% | +2.36% |
| 2025-11 | 130.7 | +0.06% | +2.22% |
| 2025-10 | 130.6 | +0.24% | +2.16% |
| 2025-09 | 130.3 | +0.06% | +2.36% |
| 2025-08 | 130.2 | -0.06% | +1.85% |
| 2025-07 | 130.3 | +0.30% | +1.73% |
| 2025-06 | 129.9 | +0.06% | +1.86% |
| 2025-05 | 129.8 | +0.55% | +1.73% |
| 2025-04 | 129.1 | -0.06% | +1.74% |
| 2025-03 | 129.2 | +0.31% | +2.32% |
| 2025-02 | 128.8 | +1.05% | +2.64% |
| 2025-01 | 127.4 | +0.06% | +1.90% |
FAQ
How is the adjusted value calculated?
We use the ratio between the CPI at your starting date and your target date.
- : Your original amount in CAD.
- : CPI index at the starting date.
- : CPI index at the ending date.
Why can yearly values differ slightly from some official summaries?
Official annual summaries can use special weighting methods, seasonal treatment, or other statistical adjustments. For consistency and transparency, this calculator uses a straightforward average of available monthly data.
Quick Tips for Interpreting Results
- If the adjusted amount is higher: Purchasing power has fallen (inflation).
- If the adjusted amount is lower: Purchasing power has improved (deflation).
- Check the date range: Short windows can be volatile, while long windows show broader trends.
Data Source
The data behind this calculator comes from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
- Provider: OECD
- Dataset: Consumer price indices (CPIs, HICPs), COICOP 2018